Coming off the School Soccer Playoff semifinals, I am updating my top-25 Large Board rating for the 2026 NFL draft class.
In fact, the category will nonetheless change a ton between now and April 23 when Spherical 1 begins in Pittsburgh. However for now, that is how I see the highest of the category, beginning with two proficient QB prospects. I’ll hold this record up to date all through predraft occasions. I’ve scouting experiences for the highest 25 total, and I’ve stacked one of the best of one of the best at each place on the backside.
A key be aware to please keep in mind: That is not a mock draft or a prediction of the place gamers shall be drafted. These are my private rankings specializing in expertise — one of the best gamers primarily based on what I am seeing and my very own evaluations. Let’s get began. (Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.)
Soar to Kiper’s positional rankings
Peak: 6-5 | Weight: 225 | Prev. rank: 2
2025 stats over 15 video games: 73.0% completion fee, 3,349 passing yards, 41 TD passes, 6 INTs, 6 speeding TDs
Mendoza transferred to Indiana after taking part in two seasons at Cal, and his recreation has taken off. The important thing? He has reduce down on sacks, with 22 up to now this season after taking 41 in 2024. Mendoza is getting the ball out faster. And whereas he would not have an enormous arm, he could make all the required NFL-level throws. His ball placement is improbable. I would not contemplate him a twin risk, however Mendoza additionally has sufficient mobility to select up first downs as a scrambler.
Peak: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 206 | Prev. rank: 1
2025 stats over 15 video games: 71.8% completion fee, 3,565 passing yards, 30 TD passes, 10 INTs, 2 speeding TDs
Moore is a third-year sophomore with some spectacular traits. His accuracy was stable all season, and he reveals good contact on his deep ball. Moore can throw from totally different arm angles with precision and delivers strikes whereas rolling both left or proper out of the pocket. He can scramble a bit too.
Moore began 5 video games at UCLA in 2023 earlier than sitting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, so he has solely 20 profession begins. That is not sufficient. Moore remains to be growing and shall be solely 20 years outdated at draft time. He has issues to work on. However the toolbox is loaded, and he performs with true command of the Geese’ offense.
Peak: 6-0 | Weight: 214 | Prev. rank: 3
2025 stats over 12 video games: 199 carries, 1,372 speeding yards, 18 speeding TDs, 27 catches, 280 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Love jogs my memory a number of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has imaginative and prescient and burst between the tackles and to the skin, and he can break tackles with ease (60 compelled missed tackles on the season). As soon as he will get into house, he can take it to the home along with his breakaway velocity too. However Love is not solely an excellent runner. He is also a high-impact move catcher. An NFL group will be capable to flank him out large and create a complete different dimension of the offense.
Peak: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 4
2025 stats over 14 video games: 69 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 2 move breakups
It is a full soccer participant. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, taking part in the sport like a veteran. I see pure instincts on the linebacker place that permit him to make performs most guys simply cannot make, and he has the burst to get residence when turned free as a move rusher. Reese has been a giant riser on this class.
Peak: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 5
2025 stats over 15 video games: 15 begins, 1 sack allowed
Here is a real mauler. Mauigoa is enjoyable to observe for the best way he simply destroys move rushers on the level of assault. He has greater than 2,500 snaps at proper sort out and has the move safety talent to stay there, however he might completely slide inside and grow to be a Professional Bowl-caliber guard on the subsequent stage. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown solely 9 run blocks for the reason that begin of final season.
Peak: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Prev. rank: 6
2025 stats over 14 video games: 76 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 71 pressures, 8 run stops, 3 compelled fumbles, 4 move breakups
A switch from Stanford, Bailey will get after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he matched that whole in 2025 alone after notably turning into extra of a finisher this season. His 20.2% strain fee was one of the best within the nation — regardless of really being decrease than it was in 2024 (22.2%) and 2023 (22.1%).
Peak: 6-0 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 11
2025 stats over 14 video games: 67 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 1 sack, 6 run stops
Downs — the brother of NFL large receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL working again Gary Downs — is principally an extension of the defensive coordinator. His soccer information reveals in his play; it is apparent once you watched him within the Ohio State protection. However what actually impressed me is how nicely he picked up Nick Saban’s system as a 2023 freshman at Alabama earlier than transferring.
He diagnoses rapidly because of wonderful pre-snap instincts, and that enables him to play sooner than his straight-line velocity may recommend. Plus, Downs is stable in protection, and he’s a really dependable open-field tackler.
Peak: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 12
2025 stats over 14 video games: 77 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 9 run stops, 3 move breakups, 1 INT, 1 compelled fumble, 1 sack
You possibly can inform Kinds is a former security; he has excellent velocity, and his burst permits him to spy the QB. Look ahead to him to dominate on the mix and in predraft testing. Kinds can also be a reliable tackler and closes in a flash. He actually took the following step this season, at the same time as he tailored to a brand new system below defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Peak: 6-3 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 9
2025 stats over 11 video games: 51 catches, 875 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Ohio State has was Large Receiver U, with Emeka Egbuka being the newest star wideout to come back out of Columbus. And whereas many of the faculty soccer world centered on Jeremiah Smith (who is not eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate put up some severe numbers and confirmed why he’s a prime prospect for this class. Tate produced massive performs frequently, averaging 17.2 yards per catch this season. He’s a exact route runner, has nice arms and shows excellent physique management. And he’ll additionally fortunately block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches like to see. Tate had a lower-body damage earlier this season and missed a bit time.
Peak: 6-3 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 8
2025 stats over 14 video games: 51 catches, 560 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Sadiq is loaded with bodily traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders within the open area. He has the imaginative and prescient and velocity to trigger battle after the catch, with virtually half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his arms. And he is almost not possible to match towards due to his quickness and dimension. Sadiq was constant this season, and he needs to be the primary tight finish off the board.
Peak: 6-2 | Weight: 200 | Prev. rank: 7
2025 stats over 9 video games: 61 catches, 711 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
The Colorado switch lit up defenses for 2 seasons with the Solar Devils. Tyson’s superpower is being open even when it appears to be like like he is fully blanketed. It makes him basically uncoverable within the purple zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. A hamstring damage value him time this season, however he nonetheless posted stable numbers.
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Finish Zone! Jordyn Tyson scores 4-yard speeding landing
Finish Zone! Jordyn Tyson scores 4-yard speeding landing
Peak: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 10
2025 stats over 12 video games: 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs
This child is a warrior who performs with ardour. I might need Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his physique in an attacking method then runs with a fierce method after the catch. He’s one in all my favourite gamers within the class, and he ranked within the prime 10 within the nation in receiving yards.
Peak: 6-6 | Weight: 302 | Prev. rank: 14
2025 stats over 12 video games: 12 begins, 0 sacks allowed
Fano began 12 video games at left sort out in 2023 earlier than transferring to the correct aspect in 2024, and he began 24 video games there over two seasons. Working reverse one other extremely regarded bookend in Caleb Lomu, Fano does an incredible job of preserving his massive body between the move rusher and his QB. He’s technically sound and reveals good punch to compensate for his lack of perfect arm size.
Peak: 6-3 | Weight: 275 | Prev. rank: 19
2025 stats over 15 video games: 63 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 64 pressures, 8 run stops, 1 compelled fumble, 1 INT
Bain is highly effective and has actually robust arms. He routinely will get one of the best of some superb offensive tackles, usually along with his dominant rip transfer, and he is aware of each trick within the e book in getting residence to the QB. Bain additionally reveals velocity and bend off the sting, and he takes good angles. Plus, he can maintain the sting towards the run and get off blocks to chase down ball carriers. His tape is simply stuffed with disruption.
However even with all these A-level traits, it is really Bain’s hustle that basically stands out to me. He by no means takes a play off and fires on the ball on each play. His arms are shorter than most scouts desire, however there’s a lot to love along with his recreation. Opponents should account for him of their recreation plans, and he can hold them guessing even then along with his inside-outside flexibility.
Peak: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 13
McCoy did not play in 2025 after struggling a torn ACL in January, however he nonetheless has the possibility to be the primary cornerback off the board in April. He started his faculty profession at Oregon State, choosing off two passes there in 2023. McCoy’s ball-hawking traits actually emerged as soon as transferring to Tennessee, as he picked off 4 passes and broke up 9 in 2024. His on-the-ball manufacturing will get Day 1 curiosity.
Peak: 6-6 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 16
2025 stats over 12 video games: 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 29 pressures, 11 run stops
For those who might draw up the right NFL 4-3 defensive finish, it might be Faulk. He is what I name an “LTPer” — somebody who appears to be like the half. He can win with inside and outside strikes, and he strikes blockers along with his tremendous highly effective arms. I see good total instincts on tape too. Faulk makes his presence felt towards the run and the move, and he’s scheme versatile.
Peak: 6-3 | Weight: 280 | Prev. rank: 21
2025 stats over 14 video games: 64 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 53 pressures, 10 run stops, 4 compelled fumbles
Mesidor began at West Virginia in 2020 and 2021, racking up 9.5 sacks. He transferred to Miami earlier than the 2022 season and had seven sacks in that first season. An damage restricted him to a few video games in 2023, however he got here again with 5.5 extra sacks in 2024 and appears nice in 2025. The Canadian makes his presence felt towards each the run and the move, and he reveals good bend, closing burst and energy. When his preliminary transfer is thwarted, Mesidor by no means stops battling. He additionally brings some versatility, with the power to shade inside to DT and get strain on the inside.
Peak: 6-3 | Weight: 326 | Prev. rank: 15
2025 stats over 14 video games: 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 17 run stops, 2 compelled fumbles
The Large Ten Defensive Lineman of the 12 months has had an enormous breakout season. Think about that he had zero begins, zero sacks and simply 24 tackles over the earlier two seasons. McDonald crushed all these numbers over 14 begins this season. He is a power on the inside, with unbelievable energy and quickness for a participant at his dimension. And McDonald is energetic and sniffs out the soccer to make performs.
Peak: 6-4 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: 17
2025 stats over 11 video games: 11 begins, 0 sacks allowed
Ioane drives defensive tackles off the ball and sustains his blocks nicely. He can get to the second stage and torque defenders out of the best way. And he is extremely agile at left guard for his dimension. Ioane had 32 profession begins and gave up solely two sacks over that point — each in 2023.
Peak: 6-7 | Weight: 366 | Prev. rank: NR
2025 stats over 15 video games: 15 begins, 3 sacks allowed
For those who solely watched Proctor towards Florida State, you’d have questions on this rating. He allowed seven pressures and a sack in that season opener, and he took a false begin penalty on an vital fourth-and-1 late within the recreation. Not an excellent begin to the marketing campaign. However after that, Proctor seemed superb. He persistently dealt with inside and out of doors strikes from edge rushers as he settled in. Proctor had 40 begins of expertise, with each profession snap over three years coming at left sort out.
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Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor rumbles his solution to a 1st down
Kadyn Proctor takes the direct snap and hurdles his solution to an Alabama first down.
Peak: 6-3 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 18
2025 stats over 12 video games: 33 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 11 pressures, 6 run stops, 2 move breakups
Woods wasn’t elite in 2025, however the talent set is strictly what NFL groups covet. Within the professionals, Woods would match properly at 3-technique, although he has the flexibility to maneuver round on a defensive entrance. He performs on the within nearly all of the time, however he additionally may be disruptive off the sting. His energy will intrigue a number of NFL groups regardless of the place he traces up.
Peak: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Prev. rank: 23
2025 stats over 11 video games: 35 tackles, 11 move breakups, 2 INTs
I’m very impressed with the instincts and savviness Delane reveals in protection. He’s a real technician and demonstrated wonderful ball expertise, with 27 move breakups and eight interceptions over his four-year profession. He excels in each man and zone protection, and his 3.3 yards allowed per try on throws in his path was fourth within the nation.
Peak: 5-10 | Weight: 180 | Prev. rank: 22
2025 stats over 14 video games: 81 catches, 811 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs
Department would not have perfect dimension, however he has a observe background and is lightning fast. He jogs my memory a bit of Zay Flowers. Department performs the sport at a special velocity than everybody else, and it’s why he is so efficient in house. A switch from USC, he can take a brief completion for a giant achieve along with his explosive talent set, averaging 7.9 yards after the catch per reception. And Department is also a dynamic returner, which can assist his draft inventory.
Peak: 6-4 | Weight: 209 | Prev. rank: 24
2025 stats over 12 video games: 62 catches, 881 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs
Boston has developed right into a nuanced route runner who makes use of his dimension and physicality to defend defenders from the soccer. His size and catch radius make life depressing for opposing cornerbacks. And the best way Boston rapidly finds openings in protection jumps out on tape, serving to him to 14.2 yards per catch on the season. He has Velcro-esque arms, permitting him to go excessive or low to haul in troublesome receptions.
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Washington’s Denzel Boston scores massive TD on fourth down
Denzel Boston’s 13-yard landing makes it a one-score recreation towards Oregon.
Peak: 6-3 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: 20
2025 stats over 15 video games: 41 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 6 move breakups
Washington has put all of it collectively. He’s highly effective. He is fast and explosive. He is robust as nails. Groups are going to be eager about that mixture, even when his recreation remains to be a bit uncooked, with no profession begins earlier than this season. Washington can clog up the center towards the run, and he can energy by along with his bull rush to get inside strain. We noticed such a sack in Oregon’s Week 7 recreation towards Indiana. He’s very troublesome to comprise on the level of assault. Washington remains to be growing, and he might proceed to stand up boards earlier than April.
Kiper’s place rankings
Quarterbacks
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
2. Dante Moore, Oregon
3. Ty Simpson, Alabama
4. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
5. Drew Allar, Penn State
6. Carson Beck, Miami (Fla.)
7. John Mateer, Oklahoma
8. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
9. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
10. Taylen Inexperienced, Arkansas
Simply missed: Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
Operating backs
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Jadarian Value, Notre Dame
3. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
4. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
5. Jonah Coleman, Washington
6. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
7. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
8. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
9. Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
10. Noah Whittington, Oregon
Simply missed: Seth McGowan, Kentucky
Large receivers
1. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
3. Makai Lemon, USC
4. Zachariah Department, Georgia
5. Denzel Boston, Washington
6. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
7. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
8. Germie Bernard, Alabama
9. Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
10. Chris Bell, Louisville
Simply missed: Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Tight ends
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
2. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
3. Dallen Bentley, Utah
4. Jack Endries, Texas
5. Max Klare, Ohio State
6. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
7. Lake McRee, USC
8. Chamon Metayer, Arizona State
9. Sam Roush, Stanford
10. Peter Clarke, Temple
Simply missed: DJ Rogers, TCU
0:18
Dante Moore throws 21-yard landing move to Kenyon Sadiq
Dante Moore throws 21-yard landing move to Kenyon Sadiq
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
2. Justin Joly, NC State
3. Michael Trigg, Baylor
4. Oscar Delp, Georgia
5. Tanner Koziol, Houston
6. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
7. Josh Cuevas, Alabama
8. Dae’Quan Wright, Ole Miss
9. Marlin Klein, Michigan
10. John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
Simply missed: Lawson Luckie, Georgia
Offensive tackles
1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
2. Spencer Fano, Utah
3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
4. Caleb Lomu, Utah
5. Trevor Goosby, Texas
6. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
7. Gennings Dunker, Iowa
8. Isaiah World, Oregon
9. Carter Smith, Indiana
10. Brian Parker II, Duke
Simply missed: Blake Miller, Clemson
Inside offensive linemen
1. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
2. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
3. Connor Lew, Auburn
4. Matt Gulbin, Michigan State
5. Cayden Inexperienced, Missouri
6. Logan Jones, Iowa
7. Jake Slaughter, Florida
8. Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
9. Alex Harkey, Oregon
10. Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
Simply missed: DJ Campbell, Texas
Defensive ends
1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
2. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
3. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
4. Zion Younger, Missouri
5. Quincy Rhodes Jr., Arkansas
6. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
7. Caden Curry, Ohio State
8. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State
9. Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
10. LT Overton, Alabama
Simply missed: Anthony Smith, Minnesota
Defensive tackles
1. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
2. Peter Woods, Clemson
3. A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
4. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
5. Caleb Banks, Florida
6. Christen Miller, Georgia
7. Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss
8. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
9. Tim Keenan III, Alabama
10. Domonique Orange, Iowa State
Simply missed: Cameron Ball, Arkansas
Off-ball linebackers
1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State
2. Sonny Kinds, Ohio State
3. CJ Allen, Georgia
4. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
5. Jake Golday, Cincinnati
6. Josiah Trotter, Missouri
7. Taurean York, Texas A&M
8. Justin Jefferson, Alabama
9. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
10. Cian Slone, NC State
Simply missed: Shad Banks Jr., UTSA
Outdoors linebackers
1. David Bailey, Texas Tech
2. T.J. Parker, Clemson
3. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
4. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
5. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
6. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
7. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
8. Derrick Moore, Michigan
9. Keyron Crawford, Auburn
10. Romello Peak, Texas Tech
Simply missed: Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
Cornerbacks
1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
2. Mansoor Delane, LSU
3. Avieon Terrell, Clemson
4. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
5. D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
6. Colton Hood, Tennessee
7. Chris Johnson, San Diego State
8. Keionte Scott, Miami (Fla.)
9. Julian Neal, Arkansas
10. Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Simply missed: Jadon Canady, Oregon
Safeties
1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State
2. Kyle Louis, Pitt
3. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
4. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
5. Bray Hubbard, Alabama
6. Kamari Ramsey, USC
7. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
8. A.J. Haulcy, LSU
9. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
10. Zechariah Poyser, Miami (Fla.)
Simply missed: Keon Sabb, Alabama
Kickers and punters
1. Brett Thorson, Georgia (P)
2. Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss (PK)
3. Peyton Woodring, Georgia (PK)
4. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)
5. Tate Sandell, Oklahoma (PK)
6. Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky (P)
7. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)
8. Ryan Eckley, Michigan State (P)
9. Will Ferrin, BYU (PK)
10. Drew Stevens, Iowa (PK)
Simply missed: Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse (P)
Lengthy-snappers
1. Luke Basso, Oregon
2. Hank Pepper, USC
3. Rocco Underwood, Florida
4. Beau Gardner, Georgia
5. Ben Anderson, Oklahoma
